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Massimo80 Author

Level 1

28 points

iTunes version 12.12.0.6 only works on English-language Windows, crashes on startup when Windows UI is in a different language

As several people (including myself) are currently discussing, the latest iTunes for Windows, version 12.12.0.6, often crashes on startup complaining about missing required files; this only happens with the latest version, and it has been suggested as a temporary fix to install an older one.

After a lot of investigation, it has been discovered that this is a language-related bug: it only happens on non-english systems (Italian and German have been tested); if the Windows UI is in English, iTunes works correctly.

Also, this is specifically related to the Windows UI language: regional settings such as time/date format and keyboard layout don't change the outcome, and selecting any language for iTunes itself during the iTunes setup doesn't affect the issue.

Hope this helps in finding and fixing the bug.

Windows, Windows 10

Posted on Sep 21, 2021 6:23 AM

Top-ranking reply

Massimo80 Author

Level 1

28 points

Posted on Sep 21, 2021 8:18 AM

IMPORTANT UPDATE:

This bug seems to affect all Windows languages which are not en-US (English - United States), including all English language variants (such as en-UK).

I have personally reported the bug to Apple Support, but there is really nothing else we can do until they fix it.

If you are in a hurry to get iTunes working on your system, you need to switch your Windows UI language to en-US; nothing else will work at the moment.

Also discussed here.

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Similar questions

86 replies

Sep 26, 2021 10:41 AM in response to MohamedAnis

Hello,

All my language settings, with the exception of the keyboard, which is set to U.S. (English), are set to Canada (English). Two days ago, I once again attempted to install iTunes (with the above language settings) and, what do you know, I had no problems installing iTunes from the Microsoft Store. The version installed is 12.12.1.1 and was identified as an "update". I suggest fiddling with the language settings may be be helpful. Restarting your PC, being patient, and persistent with trying to install from the Microsoft Store, might also be helpful. Good luck.

Sep 28, 2021 10:21 PM in response to David14Well

Downloading now the "latest" version pushed on me this morning, 12.1.1

Hoping that at this point I can reset my language settings back to the Christian goodness that is English - Other rather than wonky English based on silly land U S & A.

Wish me luck.

LFTY888

Level 1

9 points

Oct 22, 2021 7:23 AM in response to Massimo80

Version 12.12.1.1 doesn't install in Windows 7.... and i can't update my IPhone12 Pro to version 15 unless I update my Itunes to the latest version... now currently running verion 12.10.11.2........................

Massimo80 Author

Level 1

28 points

Sep 30, 2021 9:30 AM in response to Massimo80

The problem has been fixed in the current iTunes release (12.12.1.1).

Sep 21, 2021 10:42 AM in response to Cequela

Yes, look in your iTunes program folder, then the iTunes Library.itl file inside.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201625

"Restore your library from a backup".

lemarlou

Level 1

8 points

Sep 21, 2021 7:28 PM in response to Massimo80

For now, the best way to solve this problem is to go back to your previous version of iTunes.

Click here and be happy!

https://support.apple.com/downloads/itunes

Sep 23, 2021 12:33 AM in response to Massimo80

It looks like iTunes has been taken off the Microsoft store. I tried to reinstall it today and couldn't find it in search. This is what it showed when I clicked the direct link on the Apple website.